View Full Version : Your Best Buy Of The Year ???
Not sure if Im posting in the correct place, anyway...
I was just wondering what your best buy of the year has been for your photography, what piece of equipment have you acquired that you're now wondering how you ever did without?
Obviously mine has to be my DSLR but Im also glad I listened to advice and bought the 50m 1.4 as my first lens, its been a pain in the butt at times not being able to get close enough to some of the action but it has certainly taught me to move aound.
So come on peeps, time to share ... whats been your buy of 2006?
hypnotic
29-12-2006, 12:17
Would have to say my TP fleece .... :p
Crawling over.
Best buy would have to be my Amvona Carbon fibre tripod from the States.
Good thread idea Glo. :thumbs:
If I had to choose one item it would have to be my Dietmar Nill gimbal tripod head. Horribly expensive, but all these heads are. I bought it in anticipation of getting the 500mm lens, but long before I bought the lens I was finding it invaluable for macro photography too.
Dietmar Nill is a world famous wildlife photographer who actually designed this head.
LINKY (http://www.warehouseexpress.co.uk/pdf/nill/tripodhead_instructions.pdf)
I bought 4 lens this year. Each have their use, so I can't say which is more useful than the others.
With more lens, comes great responsibility. :geek: So I went on to buy the Lowepro Slingshot 100AW and amateur photographer's insurance. I guess that's these are my best buys 2006. A bag and an insurance policy. :lol:
Without a doubt my D200 + grip, I think I would really struggle to use the D70 on a regular basis again.
My Manfrotto 190 Pro tripod and 490RC4 Ball Head. Together they've made using a tripod a joy rather than an irritation. I over speced the head for what I need now but I'm, so glad I did *** it kind of feels future proof :)
Secondhand 17-40L bought from the forums here and later a circ polariser here also.
I paid a fair price and got an excellent lens. When I bought it I wondered if I'd use it much. There was no instant wow with it like my first L lens but it soon grew on me. I'm pleased with all my USA holiday pictures and 95% of them are that lens. Can't see me parting with it anytime soon but I might treat it to a full frame body one day :)
Diego Garcia
29-12-2006, 13:28
My Sigma 300mm 2.8 prime lens by a long chalk.
Quite like my black Flying V as well :)
Venomator
29-12-2006, 13:35
I cannot say my D200 is the best photographic buy as I bought it on 31st December last year ... ;) ... but the 18 - 200mm AF VR I bought for it in March has been the best of the rest ... it is a fantastic lens with such a versatile usable zoom range ... and in such a compact light package too ... Oh and not forgetting its VR functionality ... superb multi purpose zoom ... :thumbs:
I haven't had the SB 800 long enough to give it a fair go ... still reading up on it tbh ... but I am sure it would be up there with the best buys too if first impressions are anything to go by ... :D
Great thread btb Glo ... :clap:
:p
Without a doubt my D200 + grip, I think I would really struggle to use the D70 on a regular basis again.
I really wish people wouldnt make comments like this!
Im trying to persuade myself that saving my pennies I can get a 2nd D70 body, rather than try to save for 2x D200!
I havent bought much photographic this year, just odds and ends really, what with moving out and buying a car.
Canon 430EX. I couldn't believe it until I tried it out but the difference between a dedicated bounce flash and the onboard one is huge. It's not only fab for taking indoor pics but it also makes macro shots a breeze :thumbs:
whiteflyer
29-12-2006, 14:00
My Canon 30D, as it's my first Dslr :)
Diego Garcia
29-12-2006, 14:01
I really wish people wouldnt make comments like this!
Im trying to persuade myself that saving my pennies I can get a 2nd D70 body, rather than try to save for 2x D200!
I havent bought much photographic this year, just odds and ends really, what with moving out and buying a car.
London Camera exchange Bristol have two part ex D70's in at £270.00 Joe. :naughty:
London Camera exchange Bristol have two part ex D70's in at £270.00 Joe. :naughty:
Grays of Westminster also have a couple at around that price :( :p
Sigma 24-70. Great for people, gigs, and produces love star effects at night.
Forbiddenbiker
29-12-2006, 14:36
The 70-200 I've just bought is obviously lovely, but to be accurate ...the best buy for me, is my D70 I bought in January. Moving from a fat coolpix to a dslr was one of the best decisions I've ever made and has made an unprecedented impact on my love of photography.
Venomator
29-12-2006, 14:37
rather than try to save for 2x D200!
Ah go on Joe ... you know you want (need) to ... :D
:p
HIMUPNORTH
29-12-2006, 14:42
As this is an off topic thread I must say it is my VW Transporter T5 Combi van! I look like the f'ing A-Team but can handle the flak as it is superb. It swallows children (5 seats), paramotors, bikes, any amount of photographic equipment and as it has a remote control night heater it is always warm - lurvely:D.
I have spent soo much money on photographic gear this year and none of it a waste but if I must say it will be the EOS 5D just for being such a damn sexy device.
Then again those Lee filters were pretty good......and that wide L glass..........
:D
panasonic lx2 take it anywhere, worst canon5d most over hyped camera ever.
:thinking:
would have to be my 10D with batt grip. first dslr i have ever owned also took a risk and got it off flea bay .
:naughty: but it was a bargain and i would not be without it now.. :naughty:
Diego Garcia
29-12-2006, 15:45
As this is an off topic thread I must say it is my VW Transporter T5 Combi van! I look like the f'ing A-Team but can handle the flak as it is superb. It swallows children (5 seats), paramotors, bikes, any amount of photographic equipment and as it has a remote control night heater it is always warm - lurvely:D.
I have spent soo much money on photographic gear this year and none of it a waste but if I must say it will be the EOS 5D just for being such a damn sexy device.
Then again those Lee filters were pretty good......and that wide L glass..........
:D
I hear ya. That 5D is one lean machine and I want another one! :bang:
HIMUPNORTH
29-12-2006, 15:46
....worst canon5d most over hyped camera ever.
Give it here then, I'll show you how to use it :p
Just read the name..... bigron.... only joking mate.......:exit:
:D
photostar_1
29-12-2006, 15:59
As I became the owner of my first DSLR this year, I'd have to say.....my Canon 350D. It's opened up a new hobby, found me new (virtual) friends and made me start to look at the world with fresh eyes. Technically, it was my husband's best buy as he bought it for me, but I chose it so I claim the moral victory :lol:
Second best buy was the 24-70mm L, which I bought!!
My 30D, closely following by the 50mm f1.4 which is rapidly becoming my fave lens.
OTOH I got a Huey for crimbo and that was certainly a "how did I manage without it?" moment :thumbs"
HIMUPNORTH
29-12-2006, 16:29
OTOH I got a Huey for crimbo and that was certainly a "how did I manage without it?" moment :thumbs"
Review Please! :rules:
OTOH I got a Huey for crimbo and that was certainly a "how did I manage without it?" moment :thumbs"
A Huey (http://www.huey.co.uk/) ? full size one ? ;)
Ok HUN, review on it's way...
Warspite
29-12-2006, 16:56
My Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS L - Love it :D
HIMUPNORTH
29-12-2006, 17:01
Ok HUN, review on it's way...
Good man! :thumbs:
h.r.ford
29-12-2006, 17:36
As I became the owner of my first DSLR this year, I'd have to say.....my Canon 350D. It's opened up a new hobby, found me new (virtual) friends and made me start to look at the world with fresh eyes. Technically, it was my husband's best buy as he bought it for me, but I chose it so I claim the moral victory :lol:
Well that fits be to the T also! So I guess I don't have to say any more... But it is me and we all know I will. My husband bought the 350D in August for both of us and pretty much he hasn't seen it since. I am now obsessed and I carry the camera everywhere with me. It is not only the best camera thing I've bought this year it is by far the best thing to happen to me this year.
The only thing photography related I've bought this year is a lens pen or two.
So it would have to be the TP lens pen. :D
King_Boru
29-12-2006, 19:22
My Nikon SB600 for 145 smakeroobies! Yum Yum, best purchase coming in 2007, a Fujifilm S5 Pro :)
King.
LmidgitD
30-12-2006, 07:05
Canon Powershot A630 (upgrade froma Olympus C-720 haha)
D200 (mint used one - bought in preference to a new D80 thanks to advice here :love:)
No idea what I'm doing with it but with all the help & advice here I'm sure I can keep learning in 2007 :gag:
Paul :thumbs:
digitalfailure
30-12-2006, 08:07
I think the only things i've bought this year for my kit have been a 60mm macro lens and an off camera flash cable.
The cable I haven't even opened yet and the macro has only seen very light use....prolly 100 shots
I really must have a go at actually using my camera this year.
I really must have a go at actually using my camera this year.
I think you might lose your mod status if you dont! You and matty too!
Its really only CT keeping it up at your end! :p
digitalfailure
30-12-2006, 08:36
I think your right there Joe
it's this place that stops me taking pictures :(
I might have to take up knitting instead :D
For me it would be the Lee filter system.
busterboy
30-12-2006, 09:48
Excellent subject for a thread Glo..:thumbs:
I have bought quite a few items this year and can say both my 85mm f/1.2L and my 180mm f/3.5L macro lens has certainly made me smile with the awesome results they bring.:)
Also purchased a 42" Panasonic Plasma tv and a 26" Panasonic LCD for the kitchen.
Thinking about it now my bank balance has taken quite a beating this year..:lol:
It has to be my
600mm f4 L IS
and
30" Apple Cinema Display.
Sherlock_Holmes
01-01-2007, 00:17
Finding this forum
minimeeze
01-01-2007, 15:25
Photography related - my Sigma 10-20mm wideangle, although I have yet to put to it to good use as haven't used it as much as I'd like to.
Non- photography related, it has to be the portable aircon unit I bought at the height of summer. Couldn't have got a decent nights sleep without it. I can't sleep when I'm hot :naughty:
hypnotic
01-01-2007, 16:10
I can't sleep when I'm hot :naughty:
Oh boy ...... Door wide open!
I can't sleep when I'm hot :naughty:
I might be able to help you there ;)
digitalfailure
01-01-2007, 16:41
non photo things eh.............
pioneer dvr 545hxs hdd/dvd recorder
pioneer 427xd 42" plasma screen
they'd be the nice things, but a year of major expense with car changes and lounge decoration has cleaned me out now and stopped me getting a 5D
Still.....i'll have to console myself with a new set of B&W speakers :D
30D, closely followed by the nifty fifty I think. Might sound odd considering I've just aquired my first bit of L glass, but to be honest the nifty has really changed the way I look at things through the viewfinder.
RickMezza
02-01-2007, 18:52
Not bought much, but the Tamron 90mm macro is easily the best.
...I've actually used it too :D
bah
got a sigma 70-200 ealrlier in the year, but the camera is bust...
Sigma 70-200mm, even nicer than the 1D MkII, did I just say that??? :suspect:
neonpollen
02-01-2007, 20:24
All my photography gear was bought this year and if I had to choose one item it would be the 70-200 F2.8.
Tricky one.......
Photography item......the d70 without a doubt. Would be a D200 if my life hadn't decided to go down some random in the last quarter of the year lol. Followed close second by my lee filter kit I got for chrimbo
non-photo item.........probably my creative zen mp3 player. Now I don't know what music to listen to in the car as well as at home!
digitalfailure
02-01-2007, 21:06
bah
got a sigma 70-200 ealrlier in the year, but the camera is bust...
Oh.......I forgot I bought one of them and the 1.4x TC this year :eek:
yeah i got one of them too.
trying to find a book called 'how to train your cat to wee down the back of the telly' but its not easy to find
Venomator
02-01-2007, 21:44
Having just used them both in anger (not literally of course ... :D) on my gear I have to say that Ven's Lens Pen and the Red Cloth are an excellent purchase ... :thumbs:
They both exceed expectations and do their respective jobs over and above ... :D
:thankyou: TP staff for top gear ... :clap:
:p
It's gotta be my Olympus E500 twin lens kit :clap: :D
However the sad story behind its arrival was the passing of a dear Auntie who left me the means by which i could afford what had up until that point left the purchase of such an expensive piece of kit just a dream ....... Bless you Auntie Pat :love: :thumbs:
nelly3164
03-01-2007, 03:01
seeing as i am totaly new to photography as well as forums it has to be my nikon D50, with lens kit, i am loving it!.:love:
My best would have to be the Canon 20D I got in march. It was my first proper camera and helped me kindle my growing interest in photography.
I would probably say one of the lenses apart from the camera but without the camera I would of had no need for the lenses ;)
Has to be the 70-200 IS F2.8. My photography was reborn when I got my mitts on this one.
Closely followed by the Arctic Butterfly... no more dust spot cloning for me :)
RichardtheSane
03-01-2007, 21:36
Mine is without a doubt my Sigma 120-300 F2.8. It is my most used lens, and cost me less than £1250 new in the UK.
My best buy was not gear (although there was plenty of that :nono: ) but is still photography related. Amazing portrait workshop. http://www.cheryljacobsworkshops.com/
30D and assorted lenses aside probably an ND grad filter and/or a lens pen :D
Dark Star
04-01-2007, 21:22
Everything I have from the 20D through my lenses and tripod was bought in 2006 - and I've enjoyed it all.
Of the lenses I have bought it must be the Canon 100m f2.8 Macro that wins the prize as my absolute fav!!! A joy to use!!!!
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